Athletics News

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne student-athletes took part in a free asthma camp sponsored by the Mylan School of Pharmacy on Monday, May 19. The camp welcomed approximately 55 fifth and sixth graders to the Bluff for a day of educational and physical activity.

The camp, which was coordinated by Dr. Jennifer Elliott, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, focused on promoting good health while dealing with asthma.

In the morning, campers received health screenings and competed in a life-size educational board game created by Duquesne student pharmacists. Children with asthma were educated about the disease and how to control it through proper lifestyle and medication management. The importance of good nutrition and physical activity to increase heart health was also emphasized.

Afternoon activities included general fitness activities on McCloskey Field during which Duquesne student-athletes acted as facilitators and mentors.

Several departments collaborated in organizing the camp. Sherene Brantley, assistant athletic director for student services, coordinated the physical activity education with fitness stations supervised by DU student-athletes and coaches from the strength and conditioning staff under the direction of Dennis Cuturic.

Research from previous camps hosted by the Mylan School of Pharmacy revealed that about 44 percent of the children attending had a previous diagnosis of asthma, and 76 percent of those children had uncontrolled asthma; nearly 13 percent were identified as having potential undiagnosed asthma.

This camp is an extension of the Surveillance of Asthma in our Region's Schoolchildren (STARS) study of the School of Pharmacy in partnership with the Allegheny Health Network.